New Riff Distilling Bourbon Barrel Kentucky Wild Gin

New Riff Bourbon Barrel Kentucky Wild Gin is a bourbon-barrel-aged gin built on twelve botanicals — including locally foraged wild juniper berries, American Spicebush, and Kentucky's state flower goldenrod — distilled in a copper pot and rested in fresh bourbon barrels for a mellow vanilla-oak finish.

From New Riff Distilling in the Ohio Valley, this expression layers European classics like angelica and licorice root with foraged Kentucky botanicals, then ages the gin in the distillery's own fresh bourbon barrels — giving it a golden hue and rounded oak character distinct from an unaged gin.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Spicebush and vanilla oak with wood spice and local juniper
• Palate: Subtle oak tannins amplify angelica's dryness, with a prominent orange peel note
• Finish: Lovely dryness from angelica with continued orange peel

Specs

• Distillery: New Riff Distilling, Newport, Kentucky (Ohio Valley)
• Style: Bourbon Barrel Aged Kentucky Gin
• Botanicals: 12, incl. wild juniper, American Spicebush, goldenrod, angelica, licorice root
• Aging: Fresh bourbon barrels
• Size: 750ml

Browse all gin at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from New Riff's standard Kentucky Wild Gin?

It takes the same wild-botanical gin and ages it in fresh bourbon barrels, adding vanilla, oak, and a golden color the unaged version doesn't have.

What are the standout botanicals?

Locally foraged wild juniper and American Spicebush, plus goldenrod — Kentucky's state flower — alongside classics like angelica and licorice root.

How should I serve it?

Excellent in a Martinez or a gin cocktail with bitters, or neat to appreciate the barrel character.